BBC launches Doctor Who online game to teach programming

The BBC is calling on Doctor Who to help teach kids basic computer programming skills in a new online game called The Doctor and the Dalek.

The Doctor Who themed board game will feature regular characters from the sci-fi show, alongside the voice of the latest personality to grace the Tardis, Peter Capaldi.

Puzzles featured in the game are linked to the computing curriculum here in the UK and are designed to teach kids core programming principles as they play, says the Hollywood Reporter.

The game is part of the BBC’s Make it Digital initiative, aimed at inspiring the new generation to get creative with digital technology.

The game follows the Twelfth Doctor as he embarks on a dangerous mission in a story from the writer of Doctor Who and Wizards vs. Aliens, Phil Lord. After answering a distress call from a Dalek, one of the Doctor’s long-yime enemies, the Doctor takes his unlikely ally on a mission to save all creation from destruction, said a description of the game.

Danny Cohen, BBC director of television, said: “The Doctor and the Dalek is a brand new doctor Who story and a fantastic game, voiced by the wonderful Peter Capaldi.

“It’s an excellent example of how a hugely popular BBC show can give fans something extra, while also introducing wider audiences to increasingly important skills, such as coding and programming.”

The new online game will launch via the BBC website this week.

Sinead Rocks, head of BBC learning, added: “We are really excited about the launch of The Doctor and the Dalek as not only is it a really entertaining platform game for kids, but it’s also a great introduction to some key principles of computer programming.”

So we have a new Time Lord on the way. 55 year old actor Peter Capaldi has been announced to the world as the 12th Doctor, on a live BBC One show no less. Never in its 50 years history has Doctor Who been so prominent.